EU accuses Australia of US bias on trade talks. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said:

"If we heard as much messaging to the United States on farm subsidies as we in Europe hear from Australia on market access on agriculture then I think that Australia's approach would be considered a bit more balanced."

Mandelson has rejected Australia's invitation to attend a trade meeting of the Cairns Group next month in Cairns. Under John Howard's government, Australia has been reduced to the status of a de-facto US Puppet Government, along with countries like Palau, Guam and Micronesia.